Splatoon3 Illu 02 Black
Image: Nintendo

Choosing your weapon in Splatoon 3 can be a big decision and it is entirely dependent on your play style. While some will want to take the battle by storm with a Shooter- or Roller-class, others will be more prone to scoping out their surroundings with a well-placed Charger.

Of course, we recommend trying out as many different weapons as you can get your hands on in either Single Player Mode or taking them to the range in Sheldon's store. If, however, you want a rundown of each class and what will be your best choice for battle then we have you covered.

In this list, we will outline the different weapon types and the individual items within them, before giving our completely subjective view on which is the best one for you to go for.

Don't know your Stringers from your Shooters? You've come to the right place!

Splatoon 3 Best Weapons - All Weapon Types

First up, we'd like to give a shout out to the Splatoon Wiki, which was invaluable in helping us assemble this guide. Check it out if you're looking for more information on anything to do with the game, weapons included.

Let's start alphabetically with the least civilised weapon on the list...

Blasters

SBlaster
Image: Nintendo

Firing balls of ink that explode on arrival. Generally, the class has a slower fire rate than Shooters. A dream for those that want to eliminate big crowds of opponents.

Splatoon 3 Blaster List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Blaster Autobomb Big Bubbler Slower rate of fire with increased damage Launch
Clash Blaster Splat Bomb Trizooka High fire rate at the cost of lower damage Launch
Clash Blaster Neo Curling Bomb Super Chump Remodelled version of the above Fresh Season 2023
Custom Blaster Point Sensor Triple Splashdown A new loadout for the standard Blaster Chill Season 2023
Luna Blaster Splat Bomb Zipcaster Close-range, high damage Launch
Luna Blaster Neo Fizzy Bomb Ultra Stamp Same stats as the Luna Blaster. Fizzy Bomb Sub-Weapon and Ultra Stamp Special Chill Season 2022
Range Blaster Suction Bomb Wave Breaker Shots travel further for mid-range combat. Decreased rate of fire and increased ink consumption Launch
Rapid Blaster Ink Mine Triple Inkstrike Rapid firing rate, good for long-range attacks Launch
Rapid Blaster Deco Torpedo Ink Jet Same stats as the above with a new appearance Fresh Season 2023
Rapid Blaster Pro Toxic Mist Ink Vac Higher damage and increased range, though a slower rate of fire Launch
Rapid Blaster Pro Deco Angle Shooter Killer Wail 5.1 New appearance for the above gun with a fresh loadout Sizzle Season 2023
S-BLAST '91 Burst Bomb Booyah Bomb All of the same stats as the S-BLAST '92 with a fresh lick of paint and an explosive new loadout Chill Season 2023
S-Blast '92 Sprinkler Reefslider Slow fire rate but offers a varied range of attacks Sizzle Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: It might be the more standard of the two, but the Rapid Blaster is great for those who want to control the battlefield from a further distance, all while letting out a good level of damage. You won't get the same one-and-done experience as the others, but that's instead replaced by a much more forgiving damage-to-risk ratio.

Brellas

SBrella
Image: Nintendo

Fires ink for close-combat with the opportunity to raise a shield from enemy fire. The first two weapons listed below will also let you send this shield off into your opponents, keeping you covered for longer.

Splatoon 3 Brella List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Recycle Brella 24 Mk 1 Angle Shooter Big Bubbler Brella with a fast-release canopy and a speedy cooldown Fresh Season 2024
Sorella Brella Autobomb Inkjet Fresh take on the Splat Brella with a new Sub- and Special- Drizzle Season 2023
Splat Brella Sprinkler Triple Inkstrike High damage and shield durability, good for close-range Launch
Tenta Brella Squid Beakon Ink Vac Greater damage and durability, can be used for further-range combat Launch
Tenta Sorella Brella Ink Mine Trizooka Same stats as the above with a new loadout Sizzle Season 2023
Undercover Brella Ink Mine Reefslider Lighter damage, but can shoot with its shield up Launch
Undercover Sorella Brella Torpedo Splattercolor Screen All the same stats as the normal Undercover Brella but teamed with a new loadout Chill Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: While some go after the big hitters, we like the manoeuvrability of the Undercover Brella. Shooting with your shield up grants the chance for combat in the closer-quarters, even if the shot itself is a little lower than its peers.

Brushes

SBrushes
Image: Nintendo

Much like Rollers, Brushes can be used to spread ink or splat close opponents.

Splatoon 3 Brush List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Inkbrush Splat Bomb Killer Wail 5.1

Increased manoeuvrability to quickly spread ink

Launch
Inkbrush Nouveau Ink Mine Ultra Stamp Same abilities as the Inkbrush. Equipped with Ink Mine Sub-Weapon and Ultra Stamp Special Chill Season 2022
Octobrush Suction Bomb Zip Caster Deals greater damage, slower to handle Launch
Octobrush Nouveau Squid Beakon Ink Storm Offers big hits with a wide splat range, though not the best in the ink consumption and mobility departments Drizzle Season 2023
Painbrush Curling Bomb Wave Breaker High ink speed and strong handling Sizzle Season 2023
Painbrush Nouveau Point Sensor Tenta Missiles Same stats as the normal Painbrush but with a new Special and Sub-Weapon Chill Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: Whilst not as fast as its counterpart, we'd recommend the Octobrush out of the two. What you lose in swiftness is more than made up for by the range and volume of ink you'll be dishing out.

Chargers

SCharger
Image: Nintendo

This sniper-style weapon type charges up a shot before dealing out high damage at a long range.

Splatoon 3 Charger List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Bamboozler 14 Mk I Autobomb Killer Wail 5.1 No one-shot splatting, but has a rapid charge time Launch
Classic Squiffer Point Sensor Big Bubbler Fast charge and lower ink consumption, one for slightly closer range Launch
Custom E-Liter 4K Squid Beakon Kraken Royale A remix of the normal E-Liter 4K, paired with a new loadout Fresh Season 2024
Custom E-liter 4K Scope Squid Beakon Kraken Royale Same loadout as above but better over a long distance — though it cannot hold a charge Fresh Season 2024
E-Liter 4K Ink Mine Wave Breaker High range and damage comes at the cost of high ink consumption and low mobility Launch
E-Liter 4K Scope Ink Mine Wave Breaker Much like the E-Liter but with improved aim Launch
Custom Goo Tuber Fizzy Bomb Ultra Stamp Remodel of the standard Goo Tuber with a new loadout Drizzle Season 2023
Goo Tuber Torpedo Tenta Missiles Able to hold charge for ages and can one-shot while partially charged Launch
New Squiffer Zipcaster Autobomb All the same stats as the Classic Squiffer with a new Sub- and Special- Fresh Season 2024
Snipewriter 5B Splash Wall Ink Storm A fresh take on the standard Snipewriter with a new loadout Chill Season 2023
Snipewriter 5H Sprinkler Tacticooler Slightly decreased range and damage, but allows for up to five shots on a single charge Chill Season 2022
Splat Charger Splat Bomb Ink Vac Basic class weapon. Deals heavy damage with a fully-charged shot Launch
Spatterscope Splat Bomb Ink Vac Enhanced range and aim, cannot store a full charge Launch
Z+F Splat Charger Splash Wall Triple Inkstrike Remodelled version of the standard model Fresh Season 2023
Z+F Splatterscope Splash Wall Triple Inkstrike Same stats as standard Splatterscope with colourful appearance Fresh Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: For those looking to get a sniper-like experience, we recommend going with the Splatterscope here. It deals strong damage and will let you survey the field from a good position up high.

Dualies

SDualies
Image: Nintendo

Two pistol-like weapons which grant the ability to dodge roll. Good for getting into the heat of the battle with closer-to-mid-range combat.

Splatoon 3 Dualies List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Custom Dualie Squelchers Squid Beakon Super Chump Same abilities as the standard Dualie Squelcher with a different loadout Sizzle Season 2023
Dapple Dualies Squid Beakon Tacticooler High rate of fire and grants quick dodge rolling abilities Launch
Dapple Dualies Nouveau Torpedo Reefslider Identical to the above. Torpedo Sub-Weapon and Reefslider Special Chill Season 2022
Dark Tetra Dualies Autobomb Reefslider Shoot while rolling and perform four consecutive dodge rolls (double the usual number) Launch
Douser Dualies Ink Mine Killer Wail 5.1 These pistols can work at either a long- or short-range depending on which nozzle you opt for Fresh Season 2024
Dualie Squelchers Splat Bomb Wave Breaker Impressive range, accuracy is improved post-roll Launch
Enperry Splat Dualies Curling Bomb Triple Splashdown A new loadout on your standard Splat Dualies Chill Season 2023
Glooga Dualies Splash Wall Booyah Bomb Longer range but lower fire rate Launch
Glooga Dualies Deco Point Sensor Inkzooka A new look for the standard Gloogas, now with a different sub- and special-weapon Fresh Season 2024
Light Tetra Dualies Sprinkler Zipcaster Similar to the Dark Tetra model with new sub- and special-weapons Sizzle Season 2023
Splat Dualies Suction Bomb Crab Tank Standard weapon in the class. Decent range and mobility but low damage Launch
  • Our recommendation: Dark Tetra Dualies are great for outfoxing your foes at (relatively) long range, although the Dapple Dualies feel like they encapsulate what this class is all about. Let's chalk this one up to a draw.

Rollers

SRoller
Image: Nintendo

Used to quickly spread ink or splat enemies at close quarters. This class can also be used to throw ink for a mid-ranged attack.

Here's how Nintendo described them:

Coming through! Pushing or flicking one of these around the stage can color the ground quickly. And if someone gets in your way? Splat!

Splatoon 3 Roller List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Big Swig Roller Splash Wall Ink Vac Spreads its stats across range, ink speed and handling. Good for wide ink spread Chill Season 2022
Big Swig Roller Express Angle Shooter Ink Storm Same stats as the above Roller with a new loadout Sizzle Season 2023
Carbon Roller Autobomb Zipcaster Increased speed, although there's no option to flatten opponents in close-range combat Launch
Carbon Roller Deco Burst Bomb Trizooka Same abilities as above. Burst Bomb Sub-Weapon and Trizooka Special Chill Season 2022
Dynamo Roller Sprinkler Tacticooler Spreads ink quickly, decreased manoeuvrability Launch
Flingza Roller Ink Mine Tenta Missiles Greater range than most in the class, vertical swing provides some local ink coverage, decreased speed Launch
Foil Flingza Roller Suction Bomb Splattercolor Screen The standard Flingza Roller gets a new loadout and a fresh lick of paint Fresh Season 2024
Gold Dynamo Roller Splat Bomb Super Chump A new look for the classic Dynamo Roller with a new loadout Drizzle Season 2023
Krak-On Splat Roller Squid Beakon Kraken Royale Same stats as the Splat Roller with a fresh new look Fresh Season 2023
Splat Roller Curling Bomb Big Bubbler Standard Roller. Reasonable speed and coverage for close-range combat Launch
  • Our recommendation: Offering you a little bit of everything, the Flingza Roller is well worth putting in the grind to get to understand. It is a great choice for both throwing out ink and for running around the arena with ease.

Shooters

SShooter
Image: Nintendo

Fire small bursts of ink for mid-range combat. The class offers a range of fully-automatic, semi-automatic and burst fire options.

Here's how the official Splatoon 3 website describes them:

All-around handy weapons. Useful in many situations and are great for inking turf quickly.

Splatoon 3 Shooter List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
.52 Gal Splash Wall Killer Wail 5.1 High fire rate and impressive damage, poor accuracy and ink cover Launch
.52 Gal Deco Curling Bomb Splattercolor Screen A fresh take on the above with an all-new loadout Fresh Season
.96 Gal Sprinkler Ink Vac Drinks the ink, but high damage and range, if you can hit the target Launch
.96 Gal Deco Splash Wall Kraken Royale Decent range with high fire rate Fresh Season 2023
Aerospray MG Fizzy Bomb Reefslider Wide shot range and high rate of fire, will take five shots to splat an enemy with decreased damage Launch
Aerospray RG Sprinkler Booyah Bomb Same model with Sprinkler Sub-Weapon and Booyah Bomb Special Chill Season 2022
Annaki Splattershot Nova Ink Mine Ink Jet Greater range and strong fire rate, heavily decreased damage Sizzle Season 2023
Custom Jet Squelcher Poison Mist Ink Storm A visual redesign of the classic Jet Squelcher with a new loadout Fresh Season 2023
Custom Splattershot Jr. Torpedo Wave Breaker As effective as the regular Splattershot Jr. with a Torpedo and Wave Breaker as add-ons Chill Season 2022
Foil Squeezer Auto Bomb Splattercolor Screen A festive remodel of a regular Squeezer paired with Autobomb and the Splattercolor Screen Chill Season 2023
Forge Splattershot Pro Suction Bomb Booyah Bomb Same stats as the Splattershot Pro. Suction Bomb and Booyah Bomb as Sub- and Special Chill Season 2022
H-3 Nozzlenose Point Sensor Tacticooler Low rate of fire but lets out three bullets at once which deal impressive damage if they all hit Launch
H-3 Nozzlenose D Splash Wall Big Bubbler Same stats as the standard model but with a new loadout Sizzle Season 2023
Jet Squelcher Angle Shooter Ink Vac Probably the best shooter for range, although low damage and fire rate Launch
L-3 Nozzlenose Curling Bomb Crab Tank Increased accuracy, good for mid-range splats, burst fire takes some getting used to Launch
L-3 Nozzlenose D Burst Bomb Ultra Stamp Remodelled version of the above with a new look but identical stats Fresh Season 2023
Neo Splash-o-matic Suction Bomb Triple Inkstrike Same abilities as classic Splash-o-matic with an aesthetic redesign Fresh Season 2023
N-Zap '85 Suction Bomb Tacticooler Resembles the original North American NES Zapper. Retro style comes with a high fire rate but reasonably low damage Launch
N-Zap '89 Autobomb Super Chump Similar stats to standard version but in a "modern" design Fresh Season 2023
Squeezer Splash Wall Trizooka Can handily switch between semi- and fully-automatic functions Launch
Splash-o-matic Burst Bomb Crab Tank High attack range and solid damage output but suboptimal fire rate Launch
Splattershot Suction Bomb Trizooka The standard, with decent damage over a middling range Launch
Splattershot Jr. Splat Bomb Big Bubbler The go-to beginner weapon. Spreads its stats across fire rate, accuracy, and ink efficiency, but lacks range Launch
Splattershot Nova Point Sensor Killer Wail 5.1 Greater range and strong fire rate, heavily decreased damage Chill Season 2022
Splattershot Pro Angle Shooter Crab Tank Great for slower, long-range combat with high damage and ink consumption to match Launch
Sploosh-o-matic Curling Bomb Ultra Stamp A high fire rate and impressive damage, though lacks accuracy Launch
Tentatek Splattershot Splat Bomb Triple Inkstrike Strong range, damage and fire rate. A good weapon for all-round shooters Chill Season 2022
  • Our recommendation: There's so much variety in this category that it's hard to pin any one of them downs a singular recommendation. Starting out with the Splattershot Jr. is a great way to get to grips with Splatoon's combat system, and we recommend upgrading to the Splash-o-matic or the ever-reliable and bog-standard Splattershot for a greater range once you feel more comfortable. If you miss the close-quarters domination of the Jr. however, the Aerospray MG is a sound min-maxing for that playstyle.

Sloshers

SSlosher
Image: Nintendo

A single-shot weapon class for spreading ink and splatting opponents with an arc-shaped attack.

Splatoon 3 Slosher List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Bloblobber Sprinkler Ink Storm Fires four bouncing blobs into the battlefield. A good choice for those who want to ink from a longer range or around corners Launch
Bloblobber Deco Angle Shooter Kraken Royale Same stats as the above with a new style and loadout Drizzle Season 2023
Custom Explosher Inkwall Triple Splashdown Much like the standard Explosher but with a new look and loadout Fresh Season 2024
Dread Wringer Burst Bomb Super Chump Fires two blobs of ink at once thanks to its dual muzzles Drizzle Season 2023
Dread Wringer D Squid Beakon Wave Breaker The 'D' model has all the same abilities as the above but with a fresh loadout Fresh Season 2024
Explosher Point Sensor Ink Storm This sends long-range attacks into the field which explode on impact Launch
Slosher Splat Bomb Triple Inkstrike The standard weapon in the class. Good for spreading some quick ink Launch
Slosher Deco Angle Shooter Zipcaster Same abilities as Slosher. Swaps out Sub-Weapon and Special for Angle Shooter and Zipcaster Chill Season 2022
Tri-Slosher Toxic Mist Inkjet Increased range with tri-directional inkage, although this lower range and damage Launch
Sloshing Machine Fizzy Bomb Booyah Bomb Sends out a single, high-arcing glob of ink. Requires accuracy but produces impressive damage Launch
Sloshing Machine Neo Point Sensors Trizooka Same heavy-hitter as the standard model with a new loadout pairing Drizzle Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: We would advise going simple with this one. The Slosher is where your sloshing journey will begin and it is a good all-rounder to keep in your arsenal throughout your splatting experience. Surprisingly great range as well.

Splatanas

SSplatana
Image: Nintendo

Fires slashes of ink in a horizontal or vertical direction. Works well in close combat or to throw ink from slightly further away.

Here's the official blurb for this class, new to Splatoon 3:

This new weapon class—including stuff like the Splatana Wiper—can be tricky to wield effectively but are spot-on for those who like to ink up close.

Splatoon 3 Splatana List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Neo Splatana Stamper Toxic Mist Crab Tank Same stats as the below model but with a new special and sub- Chill Season 2023
Splatana Stamper Burst Bomb Zipcaster Increased damage at the cost of speed Launch
Splatana Wiper Torpedo Ultra Stamp Your standard Splatana, great for a surprise attack Launch
Splatana Wiper Deco Squid Beakon Tenta Missiles A fresh lick of paint on the above model Sizzle Season 2023
  • Our recommendation: There is no need to go heavier here. Utilise the Splatana Wiper's charged attack and get into the battlefield for some close-quarters splatting.

Splatlings

SSplatling
Image: Nintendo

Used for sending out ink, fast. These are great for those who want to pepper the arena and trap enemies while your teammates clean up.

Splatoon 3 Splatling List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Ballpoint Splatling Fizzy Bomb Inkjet Multiple range options for close combat with increased fire rate, or long-distance with improved accuracy Launch
Ballpoint Splatling Nouveau Ink Mines Ink Vac A remodelled version of the above with new Sub- and Special-weapons Drizzle Season 2023
Heavy Edit Splatling Curling Bomb Tacticooler High fire rate when fully charged while maintaining the mobility of a standard Splatling Drizzle Season 2023
Heavy Splatling Sprinkler Wave Breaker Heavy, decreased manoeuvrability, high damage Launch
Heavy Splatling Deco Point Sensor Kraken Royale A glittery take on the above standard weapon with a new sub- and special-weapon Sizzle Season 2023
Hydra Splatling Autobomb Booyah Bomb

Long-range weapon which drinks ink, but with the capacity for continuous fire

Launch
Mini Splatling Burst Bomb Ultra Stamp Lower range but has a short charge time and is lighter, making it easier to move Launch
Nautilus 47 Point Sensor Ink Storm

Charge-holding capabilities and lower range make it a weapon to be moved in battle

Launch
Nautilus 79 Suction Bomb Triple Splashdown Like the above standard model only with a new loadout Fresh Season 2024
Zink Mini Splatling Toxic Mist Big Bubbler Same stats as the Mini Splatling. Toxic Mist Sub-Weapon and Big Bubbler Special Chill Season 2022
  • Our recommendation: You can't mess with perfection, and the Heavy Splatling is almost that. Excellent range, reasonable charge time, high damage output, and almost unmatched ink coverage per second. There are calls for other choices in certain tactical scenarios, but if you want a reliable, pick-up-and-splatling gun full of coloured liquid (and who doesn't?), this is your best bet.

Stringers

SStringer
Image: Nintendo

Offering horizontal, vertical, or exploding shots, this class is perfect for mid- to long-range combat.

Here's Nintendo's official description:

Weapons like the new Tri-Stringer are excellent for hanging back and inking from afar. While you can fire off a quick blast with these, you’ll want to give them a second to charge up so they can best do their thing.

Splatoon 3 Stringer List Sub-Weapon Special Weapon Description Release Date
Inkline Tri-Stringer Sprinkler Super Chump Same stats as the standard Tri-Stringer paired with a new Sub- and Special-weapon Drizzle Season 2023
REEF-LUX 450 Curling Bomb Tenta Missiles A lighter bow with a shorter range makes for increased rate of fire Launch
REEF-LUX 450 Deco Splash Wall Reefslider Same stats as the standard model with a new look and loadout Chill Season 2023
Tri-Stringer Toxic Mist Killer Wail 5.1 Basic class weapon, good for long-range combat Launch
  • Our recommendation: It may not be as fast, but the standard Tri-Stringer is what this class of weapon is all about. Quiet, hidden, medium-to-long range pop shots and strong, short-range turf coverage.

There is a full weapon run-down for all you prospective Splatters. Naturally, balance patches and new weapons will be coming in the future which could always change what we'd recommend, so please bear that in mind as the meta changes. Drop your combat choices in the comments below then get out there and show your skills on the Splattlefield!

For more on Splatoon 3, check out our Tips, Tricks, And Hints guide packed full of fresh advice on how to splat with the best of them. We also have a Weapon List With The Best Pick For Every Weapon Type, All Sunken Scroll Locations, a Full List Of Splatoon 3 amiibo Unlocks And Rewards, and Every New And Returning Turf War Stage in the game, plus info on How To Unlock Alterna Logs and How To Transfer Your Splatoon 2 Save Data, if that's causing you trouble.

Elsewhere, find out Where To Buy The Splatoon 3 Nintendo Switch OLED Model Console And Pro Controller, and if you haven't picked up the game itself, you can check out our review along with the best deals and find out Where To Buy Splatoon 3 On Nintendo Switch.